Jon Octeus' decision to leave CSU didn't come as only a shock to fans, but to members of the men's basketball program as well. The Rams were counting on having the guy they simply called "J.O." around next season to hopefully lift them to a Mountain West championship.

Octeus was the Rams' unquestioned leader, both inside the locker room and on the court, keeping teammates' emotions in check and serving as a diplomatic spokesperson when things got rough.

CSU coach Larry Eustachy and current players would not say specifically what caused him to become the fourth player to leave the program this offseason. Octeus, who was the first player Eustachy signed after accepting the Colorado State University job three years ago, is the only returning starter to transfer out.

But players, who are in the midst of their Slam U summer basketball workout sessions, took time Tuesday afternoon to share their thoughts on losing Octeus.

• John Gillon (Sophomore point guard)

"It's definitely a big hit on me. He's one of the people on the team that came to practice every day and worked hard. I didn't really say it a lot, but he's one of those people I really looked up to because someone that could play that hard every day was someone I could look up to and you want to model yourself after.

"I'd rather him be here than not (despite playing the same position). Just his attitude on and off the court was just someone you attract to."

• Daniel Bejarano (Senior guard)

"I was shocked at first. It hurts, but at the same time, you have to do as a player the same as if a coach was leaving. All I can say is best of luck to him. Our team is trying to just keep getting better and doing what we do best.

"We haven't talked about it much yet because he's been busy working. I'll eventually talk to him soon, but I know that he's trying to take his classes right now and things like that so he can graduate this summer."

• J.J. Avila (Senior forward)

"I was texting everyone to see how their summer was going, and he said his wasn't going too well and that he decided to leave. He gave me his reasoning and it is what it is.

"He's a good leader, good player, good everything, but the biggest thing he had going for him was experience. He had experience playing under coach Eustachy. ... You don't know what's going on in the minds of 18- to 22-year-old kids. It's tough to see, especially with a guy like J.O."

• Joe De Ciman (Junior guard)

"Obviously, this whole program supports J.O. Me and him came here at the same time, so I have a lot of love and respect for J.O. and we wish him the best. But we have to work with what we have now, and we still think we can achieve our goals this season.

"He was a big voice for us in the locker room, but the good thing is we have a lot of guys here now who can step up, and I'm looking forward to that."